By: The Division of Communications & Advancement
In a powerful display of creativity and a commitment to mental health awareness, Wellness Leaders stationed across Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 residences have collaborated with the Counselling Centre to produce a striking piece of artwork. Coordinated by Catherine Parkinson, a psychologist at the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's Counselling Centre, the artwork takes the form of a large semicolon crafted from an array of brightly coloured bottle caps. This initiative, born from an idea conceived during last year's Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, recently graced the Steve Biko Building in late January, having received permission from the Visual Representation & Culture Committee.
The journey of creating this impactful piece was not without its challenges. Initially, the Wellness Leaders attempted to adhere the bottle caps using glue, but its lack of durability necessitated a shift in approach. Ultimately, they opted for the more secure method of drilling nails to hold the caps firmly. This practical consideration underscores a deeper symbolic resonance inherent in the artwork. Just as the discarded bottle caps were repurposed and given a new function, the semicolon carries a profound message of resilience and choice. In the realm of writing, a semicolon indicates a juncture where an author could have ended a sentence but chose to continue it. This mirrors the experience of individuals facing mental health challenges, where the semicolon serves as a potent reminder that even when faced with the darkest of thoughts, the choice to continue living remains.
Catherine Parkinson emphasises the significance of this initiative in assuring students that support is readily available. Recognising the intense pressure and anxiety that often accompany the period leading up to academic assessments, the Counselling Centre offers a range of services designed to bolster students' mental well-being. These include specialised support groups addressing stress and anxiety, grief, emotional regulation, and a group specifically for male students known as "man-to-man," all facilitated by experienced psychologists. Furthermore, individual therapy sessions are available during working hours for students seeking personalised support.
“We understand that students carry a lot of personal and academic challenges, wellness leaders who are themselves students and going through the daily challenges that students face, really understand the support that is needed and as such they play a really powerful role in being available to offer support to or direct students to the Counselling Centre and other forms of support such as residence heads. We are really grateful for their role in enhancing students’ mental health,” Parkinson said.
Acknowledging that mental health crises can occur outside of regular hours, the Counselling Centre also provides guidance for after-hours emergencies. In situations involving psychotic behaviour that cannot be safely managed, students are advised to contact ER24 for immediate assistance. Beyond the university's resources, Parkinson also encourages students to consider external organisations such as Higher Health and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) as valuable sources of support. It is crucial to note that all services offered by the Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Counselling Centre are free to students. The Centre also plays a vital role in training future psychologists, with second-year Master's students undertaking internships there after gaining initial experience at the Psychology Clinic during their first year, fulfilling requirements set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Building on this commitment to fostering a supportive campus environment, the Wellness Leaders, in collaboration with the Counselling Centre, are organising a wellness walk at the Botanical Gardens on the 3rd of May. This initiative will be followed by a journaling session, providing students with an opportunity for reflection and self-care in a tranquil setting. Through initiatives like the bottle cap artwork and upcoming events, Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's Wellness Leaders and Counselling Centre are actively working to break down mental health stigma and ensure that students feel empowered to seek the support they need.